The History of Water in Florida

Executive Director of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission Dr. O.E. Frye to A. Dewey Smith of the Central Florida Anti Water Pollution Association, March 13, 1967

From: Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Lake and stream restoration project files, 1950-1986 (Series 1570, Box 1, Folder 1)

This is Director Frye's response to Dewey's letter to J.R. Wilson in Governor Claude Kirk's office. Frye acknowledges Dewey's concern for Lake Apopka and his feelings about a seining program and provides his own views on the matter.

Executive Director of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission Dr. O.E. Frye to A. Dewey Smith of the Central Florida Anti Water Pollution Association, March 13, 1967

TRANSCRIPT OF OE FRYE TO A DEWEY SMITH, 13 MAR 1967

March 13, 1967

Mr. A Dewey Smith, President,
The Central Florida Anti Water Pollution
Association,
Route 1, Box 744,
Apopka, Florida. 32703

Dear Mr. Smith:

Governor Kirk has discussed with me your letter of March 3 and the matter of pollution of Lake Apopka.

Unfortunately the problem of improving fishing in Lake Apopka is not simply one of removing rough fish. If this were the case it would have been undertaken years ago. In this connection, I am attaching a copy of a recent news release which explains in some detail some of the problems.

As you know, it has taken some years of man's polluting activities to change Lake Apopka from the once excellent fishing lake to its present status, and unfortunately I am afraid that remedying this situation is not going to be an overnight job. We are convinced that the only real solution to Lake Apopka lies in reversing the trend of pollution which has caused Lake Apopka to be in the condition in which it now is.

In this connection, I think we are extremely fortunate in that Governor Kirk is very much aware of the deterioration of many of Florida's waters and has assured us of the entire weight of his office in trying to cope with this problem. It is my understanding that he intends in the very near future to call together the many interests involved to begin this project. I am sure that your organization will be asked to participate in arriving at the solution.

I note your comments about the seining program, and I am somewhat puzzled by your statement that our biologists contend that Lake Griffin and Lake Apopka are the same. They are not the same. Our studies indicate that Lake Apopka has deteriorated to a much greater extent than has Lake Griffin. As a matter of fact, indications are that a great deal of pollution in Lake Griffin, Lake Dora, and other Central Florida lakes in this chain stem directly from Lake Apopka.

We certainly do not quarrel with your comment that the control of hyacinth and the selective shad treatment helped to contribute to the

[Page 2]

Mr. A. Dewey Smith
Page 2
March 13, 1967

existing situation of Lake Apopka, but as you may remember, the shad program did result in at least temporary improvement of fishing in Lake Apopka. This, however, was again nothing but a temporary measure, and no such temporary measure will amount to very much until the basic problem of water quality is solved. At this point we feel that one of the basic requirements here is the separation of the runoff from the agricultural area from the main body of the lake.

In closing, let me assure you that we are tremendously concerned about the loss of the wonderful recreation area that Lake Apopka once was and can be again, and we will be back in touch with you shortly with reference to development of a satisfactory program for the lake.

Appreciating your interest, I am,

Sincerely yours,

O.E. Frye, Jr.,
Director.

OEF:he
cc: Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr.

 

 

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